Extra Services

More about Destiny’s Child

Date Posted: 2001-11-02

Dear Mr. Morris,

This is in response to your letter in last weeks Japan Update. Although I do appreciate your efforts to explain why Destiny’s Child cancelled their October concert on Okinawa, I believe you missed the point. First of all, I was directing my letter to Destiny’s Child not you. You stated that, “on behalf of Destiny’s Child.” Can you really speak for them? It looks as though you are only the promoter of the Okinawa concert and are not their press department. I believe the Marine Corps was holding the concert, and from your letter I gather that they paid for them to come here and perform, and you were to get your “cut” as well.

You wanted my name and phone number so you can “politely explain the business.” Well my name is Randi and I don’t care to give my phone number out to the public. You state that you’ve “done many shows for the bases” and “It is up to the USO, MWR's, 18th Services, MCCS, etc. to decide if they want to do a free show or not, not the artists’ promoter or artists.”

Well sir, I don’t totally buy that one. You didn’t do the shows for the bases, you did the shows for MONEY. I’m old enough to remember Bob Hope and his patriot tours to hot spots around the world (including war zones). These entertainers did it for free. Destiny’s Child was going to be paid but still they refused to come.

You also said, “U.S. State Department travel advisory letter on October 7 basically advising them not to travel at this time.” The key word here is “basically.” The State department might send a travel advisory but it was intended for the general public not for the entertainers that wish support the troops. And even if it was intended for the group, it was simply an advisory. Yes, I’m sure Destiny’s Child were concerned about their crew, dancers, band, the fans in Australia, Japan and Europe.

You question what my letter had to do with patriotism? It is simple. Destiny’s Child was more concerned with their own safety than to support the troops who make that safety possible. Can you imagine if the NYC or Pentagon Sep. 11 rescue workers and civilians had that same attitude? Or the heroes on board the flight that they forced down in PA? I realize Destiny’s Child didn’t know that these terrible acts would occur before agreeing to come to Okinawa. We now know that they would of never came to support the troops (even for money) if they would of known there was a risk involved.

It is nice to know that they will come back to Okinawa in May but I DO NOT believe it. President Bush has told the world that this will be a long war, the type we’ve never seen before. Who is to say that it will be over by May? Where is the disclaimer that says “Destiny’s Child will hold a concert on 5/7/2002 in Chatan. UNLESS world situations at that time scare us into not coming.”

You testify “Positive Productions loves everyone so I must explain to the people that don't know.” Come on, loves everyone? Don’t you mean, loves everyone’s money? I received my refund at Kadena however my Japanese friends were told that there are no refunds. I teach a cooking class off base to Japanese ladies and they bought the tickets from your company sir. Two of the women will not be here in May to enjoy the “postponed” concert. You need to give their money back ASAP. No ticket outlet holds the money for seven months! They should at least have the option. What I see here is another foreigner screwing Okinawans.

I can feel your pain in regard to "losing" your money on tickets that you cannot use because, after all, who likes to waste or lose money. But in case you hadn't noticed, we are at war my dear!! And having to eat tickets for a concert should be the least of your worries. Think of the families that lost their entire income because their spouse died in the terrorist attacks in the United States. Is your spouse deployed or is he or she with you and your family at the end of the day? Where are your priorities, there will be other concerts whether they are here or in the United States. Get over it.